Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Underlying fatty tissue that produces bagginess can be selectively removed or repositioned.

A blepharoplasty can improve drooping skin and bagginess. It can help improve vision in older patients who have hooding of their upper eyelids. The resultant scar is a fine line, which falls into the natural crease. Lower eyelid surgery can be performed as a direct surgical approach, with an incision just below the lower eyelashes (in the natural crease) to excise excess bags of fat and excess skin.

Blepharoplasty surgery is customised for every patient, depending on his or her particular needs. It can be performed alone, involving upper, lower or both eyelid regions, or in conjunction with other surgical procedures of the eye, face or nose. In some patients, who have looseness between the lower eyelid and the eyeball, consideration for tightening of the lower eyelid (canthoplasty/canthopexy) at the time of the blepharoplasty may be recommended.

Eyelid surgery cannot stop the process of ageing. It can however, diminish the look of loose skin and bagginess in the eyelid region. Although it can add an upper eyelid crease to the Asian eyelid, it will not erase evidence of one's racial or ethnic heritage. A blepharoplasty will not remove "crow's feet" or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under the eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

Additional Information

Duration of operation: Single lid – 1 hour; both lids – 2 hours

Anaesthetic: Conscious sedation if performed in doctor's rooms or general anaesthetic if performed in theatre

Hospital stay: Same day if performed under conscious sedation or 1 night if performed under general anaesthesia